Diving White Rock – Koh Tao's Premier Night Dive Site
White Rock is one of Koh Tao’s largest and most diverse dive sites, and Duck n Dive Nangyuan offers exclusive access from our private island location. Located just south of Nangyuan Island, this sprawling reef system features two large granite pinnacles of which the site is named after. They are connected by vibrant staghorn coral gardens and sandy patches. With depths ranging down to 22 meters and consistently calm conditions, White Rock is perfect for Open Water divers, night diving enthusiasts, and anyone wanting to experience the best of Koh Tao’s underwater world. Best for beginner to intermediate divers, night diving enthusiasts, macro photography.
Key info
Location: 1km South of Nangyuan Island
Depth range: 5-22 meters, max 25 meters
Currents: Usually mild to none, suitable for beginners
Water temperature: 27-30°C
Access from Nangyuan: 10 minutes by diving boat
Recommended Level: PADI Open Water diver or equivalent
Dive Site Overview
White Rock gets its name from the large, light-colored granite boulders that form its structure. The site consists of two main pinnacles aligned north-south, with the southern pinnacle reaching a maximum depth of 22 meters and the northern side shallower at 12-15 meters .
The site’s large size, one of Koh Tao’s biggest dive sites, means multiple dive paths are possible, and no two dives ever feel quite the same. The granite formations are covered in hard and soft corals, creating a kaleidoscope of color that changes with every visit.
Marine Life at White Rock
White Rock is home to a wonderfully diverse range of marine life, thanks to its sprawling reef system and protective granite boulders. Among the most common residents are the colorful angelfish, butterflyfish, and parrotfish, which can be seen picking at corals on most dives. You’ll also encounter damselfish darting among the staghorn coral gardens, and wrasse working as cleaner fish at various cleaning stations around the rock formations . Look carefully under ledges and in crevices, and you’ll spot white-eyed moray eels peeking out, as well as blue-spotted ribbontail rays resting on sandy patches . For those with a keen eye, the rocks themselves hide nudibranchs, shrimp, and other small macro life waiting to be discovered . The blue water surrounding the site is often patrolled by schools of yellowtail barracuda, yellow stripe scad, and trevally, while the deeper drop-offs occasionally reveal great barracuda – some over two meters long . Giant groupers lurk in the cavernous overhangs, adding a sense of scale to the dive . Green turtles are frequent visitors, often seen grazing on soft corals, and lucky divers in the first half of the year may encounter whale sharks passing through on their migration routes .
Frequently Asked Questions About Diving White Rock
How deep is the dive at White Rock?
The average depth is 12–15 meters, with a maximum of 25 meters off the southern pinnacle . Most of the dive can be conducted within 18 meters, making it suitable for Open Water certified divers.
Is White Rock suitable for beginner divers?
What marine life will I see at White Rock?
Common sightings include Blue-spotted ribbontail rays, White-eyed Moray Eels, Yellowtail Barracuda, Angelfish, Butterflyfish, and occasional Green Sea Turtles. Lucky divers may encounter Whale Sharks during migration seasons.
Can I do a night dive at White Rock?
Yes — White Rock is Koh Tao’s most popular night dive site . The nocturnal marine life is spectacular, with Octopus, Cuttlefish, and hunting Barracuda active after dark. Night dives are available for Advanced Open Water certified divers or divers who have completed a night diving adventure dive.
How do I get to White Rock from Koh Nangyuan?
White Rock is located on Koh Tao’s west coast, approximately 2km off Sairee Beach and aproximatly 1km south of Nangyuan Island. From Duck n Dive Nangyuan, we operate boat dives to White Rock as part of our daily dive trips. Travel time is approximately 5-10 minutes by dive boat.
What certification do I need to dive White Rock?
PADI Open Water Diver (or equivalent) is sufficient for most areas of White Rock, as the majority of the dive is within 18 meters. Advanced Open Water is recommended if you want to explore the deepest parts of the southern pinnacle at 22 meters.
How to Dive White Rock with Duck n Dive Nangyuan
White Rock is included in our regular boat dive schedule from Nangyuan Island. Our dedicated wooden dive boat departs daily for Koh Tao’s west coast dive sites, including White Rock, Hin Pee Wee, and the HTMS Sattakut wreck.
Fun dives can be conducted for Open Water or higher level certified divers. Open Water students commonly visit this site on their training dives, and for the Night Dive for the Advanced Open Water course.
Private speedboat charter is also available on request to dive sites of your choosing.
